Follow Your Dreams

I've had quite a bit of time to think lately. Thoughts about what I want, what I'm doing, and where my life is going. For 22 years, my life has been laid out for me. Granted ages 1-18 weren't much of my choice. Pre-school, kindergarden, elementary, and so on, they are all just a part of the plan. And then you reach high school. The next step is college for some. But then you reach 22. Everything that you've had planned is now done and there isn't anything to check off the list.

So now what? A college degree, an internship, a thesis, and limited work experience, where do you go from here? Where do I go from here?

It's the question I've been circling for weeks. If you could do anything and money didn't matter, what would you do? But it's not the question that is scary, it's the answer. The moment you realize what you want to do in that dream scenario, no other job is satisfactory.

But going after that dream is scary. What if you fail? If you dream big enough, it's not an easy path. You have to be prepared to fall a few times. You have to be prepared for the no's before you get a yes.
One of my favorite quotes says, "No doesn't mean never, it means not now."

So what do you do when you realize your dreams? You fight for them. It's a scary thing to do but it will be worth it. I keep telling myself it will be worth it. I guess we will find out when I accomplish them.

Not making the cut.

              Every fall networks do their best to recoup their series losses and get back in the game. Some come out great with their attempts to replace fan loved shows like the CW's Arrow, NBC's the New Normal or ABC's Nashville. But then there are many shows that don't make the cut.
              Now as a tv viewer, I feel obliged to give every show at least 2 episodes before I cut my own losses. However, some times I can't even make it through the first. So what shows are being cut with only 13 episodes? Here's what I've learned so far.

- The Mob Doctor: Last's years attempt to fill gaps where Bones was off air lead FOX to creating The Finder, the former's spin off. However, that was a failure and left FOX with more tv room to fill. Thus, we get The Mob Doctor. Personally, I never gave it a chance. It didn't seem like it had much to offer me. Apparently, I'm not the only one who thinks so. FOX has given the show it's 13 episode run to finish it's story (tvline).

- Emily Owens, MD: This year the CW decided to branch out from it's normally rampant teenage drama to a medical show with more than 2 doctors. But we already have Grey's Anatomy? So it's little wonder why this show is also singing it's swan song with a mere 13 episodes as well. (tvline)

- 666 Park Avenue: No one network seems to be without fault this season, as ABC's attempt to fill the once glamourous spot of Housewives will soon be void again. The network has cancelled this scandalous New York apartment drama leaving show creators in a bind to answer questions with whatever is left from it's 13 episodes. (tvline)

- Partners: It seems One Tree Hill alums aren't catching a break this season as Sophia Bush's new project has been cut ending at 13 episodes as well. This short lived comedy had great potential. Unfortunately, CBS seems to believe otherwise and has given the show its final orders.

              But fear not television lovers, many networks have new shows that have yet to start their seasons. The CW will present The Carrie Diaries soon, while USA's original shows will be starting up again as well. With every fall comes the opportunity to discover a new world of excitement but unfortunately not every show has a life as long as day time soaps.

Les Mis Mesmerized

This summer it has been a goal of mine to put a dent in my movie list. Recently, I've been able to check off two of those movies: Singin' in the Rain and Les Miserables. 

I have to say, I am truly amazed at the restoration that has been done on older films. The color quality for Singin' in the Rain was incredible. I always enjoy seeing the original plots that have been redone over and over again. To think about what the writers at the time were thinking, I'm simply amazed. I can only imagine making a film that is considered a classic today. 

As for Les Miserables, I am completely mesmerized. There is no other word that fits my current fascination. After reading several reviews, I under the choice to cast Nick Jonas was risky. However, the bashing that he has endured is definitely not called for. I have not yet had the chance to read the novel, but I am certainly glad I was finally able to see it. Well worth it! Now, I just have to keep putting a dent in this never ending list. 

Just take your time, it's only life.

Just take your time, it's only life. (clipped to polyvore.com)

the review

Several days later having found the time to finish it, I am done with One Day. My review? Well, I will try my best not to provide spoilers.

The writing was wonderful. I enjoyed that the language captured the atmosphere of the placing in which it was portraying. The characters were well developed. I enjoyed learning the new facets of them. I think that seeing the characters through the eyes of each other may have given them more depth, but that is just my opinion. 

I was most certainly thrown for a loop. David Nicholls added a twist I was not ready for. I'm extremely interested to see how this translates to the big screen. Overall? I recommend it. There is profanity, but it isn't as though you are reading the stall in a bathroom. It's neat and not used in means to make up for a lack of a vocabulary. I enjoyed the literally references. It was definitely a good choice.

On the night stand.

I'll admit it. I'm a movie critic. What is even worse? I'm THAT girl. The one who reads the book first, and the proceeds to look for the smallest detail in the movie. I will admit that several film classes and a very persuasive professor later has allowed me to spread my wings a bit more.

Being that I behave in such a way, I picked up the David Nicholls novel One Day. Thus far, I'm in love with it. It took me a bit to pick up on the same day, yearly concept, but now I'm keyed in and loving it! Stay tuned for the review. 

Currently Playing:

Strawberry and Mozzarella Salad

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 1 heart romaine lettuce, torn or cut into bite-sized pieces (3 cups lightly packed)
• 1 8-ounce container of strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 3 ounces part-skim mozzarella cheese, diced (about 3/4 cup)
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, cut into ribbons

Directions

In a small bowl whisk together the oil, vinegar salt and pepper. Place the lettuce in a large bowl and toss with half the dressing. Place the lettuce onto 4 salad plates.

Toss the strawberries with the remaining dressing and place 1/4 of the berries on top of each mound of lettuce. Top each with cheeseand sprinkle with the basil.

Calories 150; Total Fat 12 g; (Sat Fat 3.5 g, Mono Fat 5 g, Poly Fat 1 g) ; Protein 6 g; Carb 7 g; Fiber 2 g; Cholesterol 15 mg; Sodium 320 mg

Excellent source of: Vitamin A, Vitamin C

Good source of: Protein, Vitamin K, Calcium, Manganese

(I found this today. It's on my to be made list. Yum!)